Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-2026

Abstract

As previous research suggests, native speakers of Chinese may hold unfair perceptions of non-native learners of their language. This might lead to a belief among Chinese native speakers that non-Asians cannot speak Chinese fluently or at a native level. This is a potentially harmful assumption that has implications affecting new learners, experienced learners, and future learners. Existing research on the topic has shown that ethnically Chinese L2 speakers of Mandarin are often perceived more positively than non-Asian L2 speakers. Other scholars have shown the perceived relationships between looking Chinese and speaking Chinese, as well as assumptions that Asians should speak English with a bilingual non-Asian. Data was collected through an original survey, as well as the content and comment section of a popular white American YouTuber, Xiaomanyc, who speaks fluent Mandarin. When brought together, results showed how surprised reactions by the native Chinese people make the L2 non-Asian speaker seem as an exception rather than a legitimate user of the language, reinforcing that idea that Chinese fluency is tied to Asian ethnicity. In a broader context, these perceptions might hurt both sides, contribute to unequal perception of language abilities and reinforce existing stereotypes.

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